Malakai Black on Opting for WWE NXT Over NJPW: A Strategic Decision

Breakdown

• Malakai Black, previously known as Aleister Black in WWE, discusses his pivotal decision between NXT and NJPW.
• Opting for NXT for financial stability and a longer guaranteed career span was described as ‘the logical choice’ by Black.
• Since departing WWE, Black has made notable appearances in NJPW, including the landmark Forbidden Door event.

In the competitive world of professional wrestling, making the right career moves is crucial. For Malakai Black, a decision between joining WWE NXT or New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) represented a critical juncture. In a candid reveal on the “Developmentally Speaking” podcast, Black shared insights into his thought process during this pivotal time.

Choosing Stability Over Uncertainty

“At the time, New Japan just started to wXw about possibly bringing me in,” Black recounted. “At the same time, I had NXT offers as well. So I was kind of like, ‘What am I going to do?’ I thought to myself, ‘Okay, so your NXT contract is three to five years guaranteed. New Japan might get you over and go well that was a fun three weeks, see you.'”

Reflecting on the uncertainty that comes with the wrestling business and the ticking clock of age, Malakai Black, known then as Tommy End, made a strategic decision. “I was like, ‘If I’m 30 now, I sign with WWE, I have a three, maybe five-year run, hopefully it’s pretty decent. But at least whatever happens, I will have better financial stability and I will be a bigger star than I am now and it will help me in every aspect, and who knows what can come with it.’ So, for me, it was the logical choice.”

A New Chapter in NJPW

Despite his focus on ensuring career longevity and stability with WWE NXT, Black’s wrestling journey eventually led him to NJPW, where he has already made an impact. Featured prominently at the inaugural Forbidden Door pay-per-view—a collaboration between AEW and NJPW—Black’s adventures in the ring continue to capture the imagination of wrestling fans worldwide.

As he navigates the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, Malakai Black’s careful balance between pursuing his passion and strategic career planning paints a picture of a wrestler as thoughtful outside the ring as he is formidable in it. It’s a reminder that behind the high-flying moves and dramatic storylines, wrestling is also about making smart decisions for the future.

Please credit “Developmentally Speaking” when using quotes from this article and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

What decision do you think you would have made in Malakai Black’s shoes, NXT or NJPW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.